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UC Santa Cruz  /  Financial aid

Paying for UC Santa Cruz

The sticker price is rarely what families pay. Here is what UC Santa Cruz actually costs after aid, broken down by income, with the real numbers and a calculator for your situation.

Free tuition at UC Santa Cruz for families earning under $100,000 a year. UC Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan: CA families earning under $100k receive enough grants to cover tuition; no-loan packaging policy for eligible students

Estimate your cost

An estimate from published averages, not an offer. Always run UC Santa Cruz's official net price calculator and file the FAFSA/CSS Profile for your real number.

Average net price by family income

Under $30k$10,872/yr after aid
$30 to 48k$11,793/yr after aid
$48 to 75k$15,253/yr after aid
$75 to 110k$22,739/yr after aid
$110k+$32,720/yr after aid

The full cost

Sticker (cost of attendance)$43,077
In-state tuition$15,035
Out-of-state tuition$46,923
Room & board$20,928
Average net price$16,526
Students on aid65%
Financial needDoes not meet full need for everyone
International studentsLimited aid for international students, mostly merit

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